Once a fishing village referred to by the Native Hawaiians as "Kama'ole" meaning "barren", Kihei is now one of the fastest growing towns in the country. Beaches lie side-by-side along Kihei's shore drawing residents and tourists alike and providing picturesque views of the nearby islands of Kaho'lawe, Molokini, and Lana'i. Extremely low amounts of annual rainfall kept the area virtually uninhabited until the 1970s when Kihei underwent a real estate and business boom. Today, the busy beach town is a six-mile stretch of mini malls, condominiums, residential housing, and beach parks laid out in its own unique way. As one of the most affordable towns on Maui, Kihei attracts budget-minded tourists and condo and homeowners determined to soak up the "Valley Isle's" sand and sun. Sitting quietly at the edge of the growing community, the Kalama Beach Park has something to offer everyone with its regular craft fairs, music concerts, skate park competitions, and palm tree shaded lawns. At the north end of Kihei is the national Wildlife Conservation District, Keälia Pond, where endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots thrive in a salt-water marsh that is easily visible from the road. Nearby, the harbor at Ma'älaea is the launching site for an armada of pleasure boats taking visitors on charter fishing excursions, whale watching expeditions and snorkel trips to Molokini. The expanding tourist industry and infrastructure growth has spurred the development of a variety of affordable Kihei condos. Even though residential housing is available, the real estate market no doubt offers more options for prospective condo owners. |
